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Laws of

the Game2009/2010


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Fdration Internationale de Football Association

President: Joseph S. Blatter

Secretary General: Jrme Valcke

Address: FIFAFIFA-Strasse 20P.O. Box8044 ZurichSwitzerland

Telephone: +41-(0)43-222 7777

Fax: +41-(0)43-222 7878

Internet: www.FIFA.com


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Authorised by the International Football Association Board.

This booklet may not be reproduced or translated in whole

or in part in any manner without the permission of FIFA.

Published by Fdration Internationale de Football AssociationFIFA-Strasse 20, 8044 Zurich, Switzerland

Laws of

the Game

2009/2010


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FDRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

President: Joseph S. Blatter

Secretary General: Jrme ValckeAddress: FIFA-Strasse 20

P.O. Box

8044 Zurich

Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (0)43 222 7777

Telefax: +41 (0)43 222 7878

Internet: www.FIFA.com

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION BOARD (IFAB)

Members: The Football Association

The Scottish Football Association

The Football Association of Wales

Irish Football Association

(1 vote each)

Fdration Internationale

de Football Association (FIFA)

(4 votes)

Next meeting of the International Football Association Board:Switzerland, 5-7 March 2010


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3

NOTES ON THE LAWS OF THE GAME

Modifications

Subject to the agreement of the member association concerned and providedthe principles of these Laws are maintained, the Laws may be modified in

their application for matches for players of under 16 years of age, for women

footballers, for veteran footballers (over 35 years of age) and for players with

disabilities.

Any or all of the following modifications are permissible:

size of the field of play

size, weight and material of the ball

width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground

duration of the periods of play

substitutions

Further modifications are only allowed with the consent of the International

Football Association Board.

Male and Female

References to the male gender in the Laws of the Game in respect of referees,

assistant referees, players and officials are for simplification and apply to both

men and women.

Key

A single line in the left-hand margin indicates new Law changes.


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5CONTENTS

Page Law

6 1 The field of play

13 2 The ball15 3 The number of players

18 4 The players equipment

21 5 The referee

25 6 The assistant referees

26 7 The duration of the match

27 8 The start and restart of play

29 9 The ball in and out of play

30 10 The method of scoring

31 11 Offside

32 12 Fouls and misconduct

36 13 Free kicks

40 14 The penalty kick

44 15 The throw-in

46 16 The goal kick

48 17 The corner kick

50 Procedures to determine the winner of a match

or home-and-away

52 The technical area

53 The fourth official and the reserve assistant referee

55 Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and

guidelines for referees

130 Rules of the International Football Association Board


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6 LAW 1 THE FIELD OF PLAY

Field Surface

Matches may be played on natural or artificial surfaces, according to the rules

of the competition.

The colour of artificial surfaces must be green.

Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between

representative teams of member associations affiliated to FIFA or international

club competition matches, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA

Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard,

unless special dispensation is given by FIFA.

Field Markings

The field of play must be rectangular and marked with lines. These lines belong

to the areas of which they are boundaries.

The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter lines are

called goal lines.

The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line, which joins the

midpoints of the two touch lines.

The centre mark is indicated at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a

radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) is marked around it.

Marks may be made off the field of play, 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner

arc and at right angles to the goal lines and the touch lines, to ensure that

defending players retreat this distance when a corner kick is being taken.


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Dimensions

The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Length (touch line): minimum 90 m (100 yds)

maximum 120 m (130 yds)

Width (goal line): minimum 45 m (50 yds)


All lines must be of the same width, which must be not more than

12 cm (5 ins).

International Matches

Length: minimum 100 m (110 yds)


Width: minimum 64 m (70 yds)


The Goal Area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5 m (6 yds) from the

inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance

of 5.5 m (6 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The

area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.


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The Penalty Area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5 m (18 yds) from the

inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distanceof 16.5 m (18 yds) and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.

Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11 m (12 yds) from the

midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.

An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15 m (10 yds) from the centre of each

penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.

Flagposts

A flagpost, not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) high, with a non-pointed top and a flag

must be placed at each corner.

Flagposts may also be placed at each end of the halfway line, not less than 1 m

(1 yd) outside the touch line.

The Corner Arc

A quarter circle with a radius of 1 m (1 yd) from each corner flagpost is drawn

inside the field of play.


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9

Goals

A goal must be placed on the centre of each goal line.

A goal consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flagposts and

joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must

be made of wood, metal or other approved material. They may be square,

rectangular, round or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to players.

The distance between the posts is 7.32 m (8 yds) and the distance from the

lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 m (8 ft).

Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth, which

do not exceed 12 cm (5 ins). The goal lines must be of the same width as

the goalposts and the crossbar. Nets may be attached to the goals and the

ground behind the goal, provided that they are properly supported and do not

interfere with the goalkeeper.

The goalposts and crossbars must be white.

Safety

Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be

used if they satisfy this requirement.

7.32 m (8 yds)

2.44 m(8 ft)


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The Field of Play

Corner Flagpost

PENALTY AREA

GOAL LINE CORNER ARC

OPTIONALMARK

TOUCHLINE

CENTRE MARK

CENTRE CIRCLE

HALFWAY LINE

PENALTY ARC

FLAGPOST(optional)

TOU

CHLINE

GOAL LINE

GOAL AREA

PENALTY MARK

CORNER FLAGPOST

(compulsory)

OPTIONAL MARK

Flag to be not less than1.5 m/5 ft high with a

non-pointed top

Lines to be not morethan 12 cm/5 inswide

Corner flagpost is compulsory

Corner arc


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11

Metric Measurements

Imperial Measurements

16.5m

1m radius

Length:Maximum120m

Minimum90m

Width:Maximum 90m Minimum 45m

7.32m

9.15m

11m

5.5m

16.5m

Radius:9.15m

5.5m

9.15m

9.15m

18 yds

1 yd radiusLength:Maximum130yds

Minimum100yds

Width:Maximum 100 yds Minimum 50 yds

8 yds

10 yds

12 yds

6 yds

18 yds

Radius:10 yds

6 yds

10 yds

10 yds


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Decisions of the International F.A. Board

Decision 1

Where a technical area exists, it must meet the requirements approved by theInternational F.A. Board, which are contained in the section of this publication

entitled The Technical Area.


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13LAW 2 THE BALL

Qualities and Measurements

The ball is:

spherical made of leather or other suitable material

of a circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 ins) and not less than

68 cm (27 ins)

not more than 450 g (16 oz) and not less than 410 g (14 oz) in weight at

the start of the match

of a pressure equal to 0.6 1.1 atmosphere (600 1,100 g/cm2) at sea

level (8.5 lbs/sq in 15.6 lbs/sq in)

Replacement of a Defective Ball

If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:

the match is stopped

the match is restarted by dropping the replacement ball at the place where

the original ball became defective, unless play was stopped inside the goal

area, in which case the referee drops the replacement ball on the goal area

line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the original ball

was located when play was stopped

If the ball bursts or becomes defective whilst not in play at a kick-off, goal kick,

corner kick, free kick, penalty kick or throw-in:

the match is restarted accordingly

The ball may not be changed during the match without the authority of thereferee.


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14 LAW 2 THE BALL


Decision 1

In addition to the requirements of Law 2, acceptance of a ball for use inmatches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA

or the confederations is conditional upon the ball bearing one of the following:

the official FIFA APPROVED logo

the official FIFA INSPECTED logo

theINTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD logo

Such a logo on a ball indicates that it has been tested officially and found to

be in compliance with specific technical requirements, different for each logo

and additional to the minimum specifications stipulated in Law 2. The list of

the additional requirements specific to each of the respective logos must be

approved by the International F.A. Board. The institutes conducting the tests

are subject to the approval of FIFA.

Member association competitions may also require the use of balls bearing any

one of these three logos.

Decision 2

In matches played in an official competition organised under the auspices of

FIFA, the confederations or the member associations, no form of commercialadvertising on the ball is permitted, except for the emblem of the competition,

the competition organiser and the authorised trademark of the manufacturer.

The competition regulations may restrict the size and number of such

markings.


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15LAW 3 THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Players

A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven

players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either teamconsists of fewer than seven players.

Official Competitions

Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in an

official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, the confederations or

the member associations.

The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be

nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven.

Other Matches

In national A team matches, up to a maximum of six substitutes may be used.

In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used provided

that:

the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number

the referee is informed before the match

If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match,

no more than six substitutes are allowed.

All Matches

In all matches, the names of the substitutes must be given to the referee prior

to the start of the match. Any substitute whose name is not given to the

referee at this time may not take part in the match.


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16 LAW 3 THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Substitution Procedure

To replace a player with a substitute, the following conditions must be

observed: the referee must be informed before any proposed substitution is made

the substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced

has left and after receiving a signal from the referee

the substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a

stoppage in the match

the substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play

from that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player he has

replaced becomes a substituted player

the substituted player takes no further part in the match

all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee,

whether called upon to play or not

Changing the Goalkeeper

Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that:

the referee is informed before the change is made

the change is made during a stoppage in the match


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Infringements and Sanctions

If a substitute or substituted player enters the field of play without the referees

permission: the referee stops play (although not immediately if the substitute or

substituted player does not interfere with play)

the referee cautions him for unsporting behaviour and orders him to leave

the field of play

if the referee has stopped play, it is restarted with an indirect free kick for

the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage

(see Law 13 Position of Free Kick)

If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referees permission

before the change is made:

the referee allows play to continue

the referee cautions the players concerned when the ball is next out of play

In the event of any other infringements of this Law:

the players concerned are cautioned

the match is restarted with an indirect free kick, to be taken by a player of

the opposing team from the position of the ball at the time of the stoppage

(see Law 13 Position of Free Kick)

Players and Substitutes Sent Off

A player who has been sent off before the kick-off may be replaced only by

one of the named substitutes.A named substitute who has been sent off, either before the kick-off or after

play has started, may not be replaced.


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18 LAW 4 THE PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

Safety

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to

himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).

Basic Equipment

The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate

items:

a jersey or shirt with sleeves if undergarments are worn, the colour of the

sleeve must be the same main colour as the sleeve of the jersey or shirt.

shorts if undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main colour as

the shorts

stockings

shinguards

footwear

Shinguards

are covered entirely by the stockings

are made of rubber, plastic or a similar suitable material

provide a reasonable degree of protection

Colours

The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other

and also the referee and the assistant referees Each goalkeeper must wear colours that distinguish him from the other

players, the referee and the assistant referees


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In the event of any infringement of this Law:

play need not be stopped the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to

correct his equipment

the player leaves the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play,

unless he has already corrected his equipment

any player required to leave the field of play to correct his equipment

must not re-enter without the referees permission

the referee checks that the players equipment is correct before allowing

him to re-enter the field of play

the player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when the ball is out

of play

A player who has been required to leave the field of play because of an

infringement of this Law and who re-enters the field of play without the

referees permission must be cautioned.

Restart of Play

If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution:

the match is restarted by an indirect free kick taken by a player of the

opposing team, from the place where the ball was located when the

referee stopped the match (see Law 13 Position of Free Kick)


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20 LAW 4 THE PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

Decision of the International F.A. Board

Decision 1

Players must not reveal undergarments showing slogans or advertising. Thebasic compulsory equipment must not have any political, religious or personal

statements.

A player removing his jersey or shirt to reveal slogans or advertising will be

sanctioned by the competition organiser. The team of a player whose basic

compulsory equipment has political, religious or personal slogans or statements

will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by FIFA.


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21LAW 5 THE REFEREE

The Authority of the Referee

Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the

Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has beenappointed.

Powers and Duties

The Referee:

enforces the Laws of the Game

controls the match in cooperation with the assistant referees and, where

applicable, with the fourth official

ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2

ensures that the players equipment meets the requirements of Law 4

acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match

stops, suspends or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any

infringements of the Laws

stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside

interference of any kind

stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures

that he is removed from the field of play. An injured player may only return

to the field of play after the match has restarted

allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his

opinion, only slightly injured

ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The

player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be

satisfied that the bleeding has stopped

allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been

committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original

offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time

punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one

offence at the same time

takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable

and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action immediately

but must do so when the ball next goes out of play


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22 LAW 5 THE REFEREE

takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a

responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the field of

play and its immediate surrounds

acts on the advice of the assistant referees regarding incidents that he hasnot seen

ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field of play

indicates the restart of the match after it has been stopped

provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, which includes

information on any disciplinary action taken against players and/or team

officials and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the

match

Decisions of the Referee

The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including

whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.

The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his

discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee or the fourth official, provided

that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.


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Decision 1

A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth official) is not heldliable for:

any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator

any damage to property of any kind

any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or

other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision that he may

take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal

procedures required to hold, play and control a match.

Such decisions may include:

a decision that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or that the

weather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a match to take

place

a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason

a decision as to the suitability of the field equipment and ball used during a

match

a decision to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or

any problem in spectator areas

a decision to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be

removed from the field of play for treatment

a decision to require an injured player to be removed from the field of play

for treatment

a decision to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain apparel or

equipment a decision (where he has the authority) to allow or not to allow any persons

(including team or stadium officials, security officers, photographers or

other media representatives) to be present in the vicinity of the field of play

any other decision that he may take in accordance with the Laws of

the Game or in conformity with his duties under the terms of FIFA,

confederation, member association or league rules or regulations under

which the match is played


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24 LAW 5 THE REFEREE

Decision 2

In tournaments or competitions where a fourth official is appointed, his

role and duties must be in accordance with the guidelines approved by the

International F.A. Board, which are contained in this publication.


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25LAW 6 THE ASSISTANT REFEREES

Duties

Two assistant referees may be appointed whose duties, subject to the decision

of the referee, are to indicate: when the whole of the ball leaves the field of play

which team is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in

when a player may be penalised for being in an offside position

when a substitution is requested

when misconduct or any other incident occurs out of the view of the

referee

when offences have been committed whenever the assistant referees

have a better view than the referee (this includes, in certain circumstances,

offences committed in the penalty area)

whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the

ball is kicked and if the ball crosses the line

Assistance

The assistant referees also assist the referee to control the match in accordance

with the Laws of the Game. In particular, they may enter the field of play to

help control the 9.15 m (10 yds) distance.

In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the referee will

relieve an assistant referee of his duties and make a report to the appropriate

authorities.


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26 LAW 7 THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

Periods of Play

The match lasts two equal periods of 45 minutes, unless otherwise mutually

agreed between the referee and the two teams. Any agreement to alter theduration of the periods of play (for example, to reduce each half to 40 minutes

because of insufficient light) must be made before the start of play and must

comply with competition rules.

Half-time Interval

Players are entitled to an interval at half-time.

The half-time interval must not exceed 15 minutes.

Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval.

The duration of the half-time interval may be altered only with the consent of

the referee.

Allowance for Time Lost

Allowance is made in either period for all time lost through:

substitutions

assessment of injury to players

removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment

wasting time

any other cause

The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee.

Penalty Kick

If a penalty kick has to be taken or retaken, the duration of either half is

extended until the penalty kick is completed.

Abandoned Match

An abandoned match is replayed unless the competition rules provideotherwise.


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27LAW 8 THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY

Preliminaries

A coin is tossed and the team that wins the toss decides which goal it will

attack in the first half of the match.

The other team takes the kick-off to start the match.

The team that wins the toss takes the kick-off to start the second half of the

match.

In the second half of the match, the teams change ends and attack the

opposite goals.

Kick-off

A kick-off is a way of starting or restarting play:

at the start of the match

after a goal has been scored

at the start of the second half of the match

at the start of each period of extra time, where applicable

A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

Procedure

all players must be in their own half of the field of play

the opponents of the team taking the kick-off are at least 9.15 m (10 yds)from the ball until it is in play

the ball must be stationary on the centre mark

the referee gives a signal

the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward

the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player

After a team scores a goal, the kick-off is taken by the other team.


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28 LAW 8 THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY


If the player taking the kick-off touches the ball again before it has touched

another player: an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team to be taken from the

position of the ball when the infringement occurred (see Law 13 Position

of Free Kick)

In the event of any other infringement of the kick-off procedure:

the kick-off is retaken

Dropped Ball

If, while the ball is still in play, the referee is required to stop play temporarily

for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game, the match is

restarted with a dropped ball.

Procedure

The referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was

stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the

referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point

nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Play restarts when the ball touches the ground.


The ball is dropped again:

if it is touched by a player before it makes contact with the ground

if the ball leaves the field of play after it makes contact with the ground,

without a player touching it


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29LAW 9 THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

Ball Out of Play

The ball is out of play when:

it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether on the ground orin the air

play has been stopped by the referee

Ball In Play

The ball is in play at all other times, including when:

it rebounds off a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and remains in the

field of play

it rebounds off either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on

the field of play

Ball in play

Ball out of play

Ball in play

Ball rebounding fromcorner flagpost,

goalpost or crossbar intofield of play is in play

Ball in play

Ball in play


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30 LAW 10 THE METHOD OF SCORING

Goal Scored

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between

the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of theLaws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the

goal.

Winning Team

The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner.

If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the

match is drawn.

Competition Rules

When competition rules require there to be a winning team after a match

or home-and-away tie, the only permitted procedures for determining the

winning team are those approved by the International F.A. Board, namely:

away goals rule

extra time

kicks from the penalty mark

No goal

No goal

No goal

Goal


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31

Offside Position

It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position.

A player is in an offside position if: he is nearer to his opponents goal line than both the ball and the

second-last opponent

A player is not in an offside position if:

he is in his own half of the field of play or

he is level with the second-last opponent or

he is level with the last two opponents

Offence

A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball

touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee,

involved in active play by:

interfering with play or

interfering with an opponent or

gaining an advantage by being in that position

No Offence

There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from:

a goal kick

a throw-in

a corner kick


In the event of an offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick

to the opposing team to be taken from the place where the infringement

occurred (see Law 13 Position of Free Kick).

LAW 11 OFFSIDE


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32

Fouls and misconduct are penalised as follows:

Direct Free Kick

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any

of the following seven offences in a manner considered by the referee to be

careless, reckless or using excessive force:

kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

trips or attempts to trip an opponent

jumps at an opponent

charges an opponent

strikes or attempts to strike an opponent

pushes an opponent

tackles an opponent

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any

of the following three offences:

holds an opponent

spits at an opponent

handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own

penalty area)

A direct free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred

(see Law 13 Position of Free Kick).

Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offences is committed by

a player inside his own penalty area, irrespective of the position of the ball,

provided it is in play.

LAW 12 FOULS AND MISCONDUCT


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Indirect Free Kick

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his

own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences: controls the ball with his hands for more than six seconds before releasing

it from his possession

touches the ball again with his hands after he has released it from his

possession and before it has touched another player

touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him

by a team-mate

touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a

throw-in taken by a team-mate

An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if, in the opinion of

the referee, a player:

plays in a dangerous manner

impedes the progress of an opponent

prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands

commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which

play is stopped to caution or send off a player

The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the offence occurred

(see Law 13 Position of Free Kick).


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Disciplinary Sanctions

The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted

player has been cautioned.

The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted

player has been sent off.

Only a player, substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow

card.

The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions from the moment

he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.

A player who commits a cautionable or sending-off offence, either on or off

the field of play, whether directed towards an opponent, a team-mate, the

referee, an assistant referee or any other person, is disciplined according to the

nature of the offence committed.

Cautionable Offences

A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the

following seven offences:

unsporting behaviour

dissent by word or action

persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game

delaying the restart of play failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner

kick, free kick or throw-in

entering or re-entering the field of play without the referees permission

deliberately leaving the field of play without the referees permission

LAW 12 FOULS AND MISCONDUCT


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A substitute or substituted player is cautioned if he commits any of the

following three offences:

unsporting behaviour

dissent by word or action delaying the restart of play

Sending-off Offences

A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off if he commits any of the

following seven offences:

serious foul play

violent conduct

spitting at an opponent or any other person

denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity

by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within

his own penalty area)

denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving

towards the players goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a

penalty kick

using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures

receiving a second caution in the same match

A player, substitute or substituted player who has been sent off must leave the

vicinity of the field of play and the technical area.


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Types of Free Kick

Free kicks are either direct or indirect.

The Direct Free Kick

Ball Enters the Goal

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents goal, a goal is

awarded

if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the teams own goal, a corner kick

is awarded to the opposing team

The Indirect Free Kick

Signal

The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He

maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has

touched another player or goes out of play.

Ball Enters the Goal

A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player

before it enters the goal:

if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents goal, a goal kick

is awarded

if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the teams own goal, a corner

kick is awarded to the opposing team

Procedure

For both direct and indirect free kicks, the ball must be stationary when the

kick is taken and the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched

another player.

LAW 13 FREE KICKS


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Position of Free Kick

Free Kick Inside the Penalty Area

Direct or indirect free kick to the defending team: all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball

all opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play

the ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area

a free kick awarded in the goal area may be taken from any point inside

that area

Indirect free kick to the attacking team:

all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in

play, unless they are on their own goal line between the goalposts

the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves

an indirect free kick awarded inside the goal area must be taken on the

goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the

infringement occurred

Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area

all opponents must be at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in

play

the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves

the free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred or

from the position of the ball when the infringement occurred (according to

the infringement)


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If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required

distance: the kick is retaken

If, when a free kick is taken by the defending team from inside its own penalty

area, the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area:

the kick is retaken

Free kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his

hands) before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken

from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 Position of

Free Kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has

touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken


Free Kick)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kickers

penalty area

LAW 13 FREE KICKS


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Free kick taken by the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball again (except with

his hands), before it has touched another player:

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be takenfrom the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 Position of

Free Kick)

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it

has touched another player:

a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement

occurred outside the goalkeepers penalty area, the kick to be taken from

the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 Position of Free

Kick)

an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement

occurred inside the goalkeepers penalty area, the kick to be taken from the

place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 Position of Free Kick)


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A penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits one of the ten offences

for which a direct free kick is awarded, inside its own penalty area and while

the ball is in play.

A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.

Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half

or at the end of periods of extra time.

Position of the Ball and the Players

The ball:

must be placed on the penalty mark

The player taking the penalty kick:

must be properly identified

The defending goalkeeper:

must remain on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until

the ball has been kicked

The players other than the kicker must be located:

inside the field of play

outside the penalty area

behind the penalty mark

at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the penalty mark

LAW 14 THE PENALTY KICK


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Procedure

After the players have taken positions in accordance with this Law, the

referee signals for the penalty kick to be taken The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward

He must not play the ball again until it has touched another player

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward

When a penalty kick is taken during the normal course of play, or time has

been extended at half-time or full time to allow a penalty kick to be taken or

retaken, a goal is awarded if, before passing between the goalposts and under

the crossbar:

the ball touches either or both of the goalposts and/or the crossbar and/or

the goalkeeper

The referee decides when a penalty kick has been completed.


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If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken

and, before the ball is in play, one of the following occurs:

the player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game:

the referee allows the kick to be taken

if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken

if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is

restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team, from the place

where the infringement occurred

the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game:


if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded

if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken

a team-mate of the player taking the kick infringes the Laws of the Game:


if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken

if the ball does not enter the goal, the referee stops play and the match is

restarted with an indirect free kick to the defending team, from the place

where the infringement occurred

a team-mate of the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game:


if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken

a player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the Laws

of the Game:

the kick is retaken

LAW 14 THE PENALTY KICK


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If, after the penalty kick has been taken:

the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched

another player: an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken


Free Kick)

the kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:



Free Kick)

the ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward:

the kick is retaken

the ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the

goalposts, and is then touched by an outside agent:

the referee stops play

play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where it touched the

outside agent, unless it touched the outside agent inside the goal area, in

which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the

goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was

stopped


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A throw-in is a method of restarting play.

A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball

when the whole of the ball crosses the touch line, either on the ground or inthe air.

A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.

Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:

faces the field of play

has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the

touch line

holds the ball with both hands

delivers the ball from behind and over his head

delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play

All opponents must stand no less than 2 m (2 yds) from the point at which the

throw-in is taken.

The ball is in play when it enters the field of play.

After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has

touched another player.


Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper

If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball again (except with his




Free Kick)

LAW 15 THE THROW-IN


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If, after the ball is in play, the thrower deliberately handles the ball before it has



from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 Position ofFree Kick)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the throwers

penalty area

Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper


his hands), before it has touched another player:



Free Kick)






Kick)




If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:

he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour

For any other infringement of this Law:

the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team


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46 LAW 16 THE GOAL KICK

A goal kick is a method of restarting play.

A goal kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line,

either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking

team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.

A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing

team.

Procedure

The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the

defending team

Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play

The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player

The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area


If the ball is not kicked directly out of the penalty area from a goal kick:

the kick is retaken

Goal kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper





Free Kick)





Free Kick)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kickers

penalty area


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Goal kick taken by the goalkeeper


his hands) before it has touched another player:


Free Kick)






Kick)




In the event of any other infringement of this Law:

the kick is retaken


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48 LAW 17 THE CORNER KICK

A corner kick is a method of restarting play.

A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line,

either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defendingteam, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.

A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing

team.

Procedure

The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the

ball crossed the goal line

The corner flagpost must not be moved

Opponents must remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc until

the ball is in play

The ball must be kicked by a player of the attacking team

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves

The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player


Corner kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper




from the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 Position ofFree Kick)





Free Kick)

a penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the kickerspenalty area


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Corner kick taken by the goalkeeper


his hands) before it has touched another player:


Free Kick)






Kick)




In the event of any other infringement:

the kick is retaken


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50 PROCEDURES TO DETERMINE THE WINNER OF A MATCH OR HOME-AND-AWAY

Away goals, extra time and kicks from the penalty mark are the three methods

approved for determining the winning team where competition rules require

there to be a winning team after a match has been drawn.

Away Goals

Competition rules may provide that where teams play each other home and

away, if the aggregate score is equal after the second match, any goals scored

at the ground of the opposing team will count double.

Extra Time

Competition rules may provide for two further equal periods, not exceeding

15 minutes each, to be played. The conditions of Law 8 will apply.

Kicks from the Penalty Mark

Procedure

The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken

The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides

whether to take the first or the second kick

The referee keeps a record of the kicks being taken

Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take five kicks

The kicks are taken alternately by the teams

If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than

the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more

kicks are taken

If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same

number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be takenin the same order until one team has scored a goal more than the other

from the same number of kicks

A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty

mark and is unable to continue as goalkeeper may be replaced by a

named substitute provided his team has not used the maximum number of

substitutes permitted under the competition rules

With the exception of the foregoing case, only players who are on the

field of play at the end of the match, which includes extra time whereappropriate, are eligible to take kicks from the penalty mark


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The technical area relates to matches played in stadiums with a designated

seated area for technical staff and substitutes as described below.

While the size and position of technical areas may differ between stadiums, thefollowing notes are issued for general guidance:

the technical area extends 1 m (1 yd) on either side of the designated

seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1 m (1 yd) from the

touch line

it is recommended that markings are used to define this area

the number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by

the competition rules

the occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of

the match in accordance with the competition rules

only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions from

the technical area

the coach and other officials must remain within its confines except in

special circumstances, for example, a physiotherapist or doctor entering the

field of play, with the referees permission, to assess an injured player

the coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a

responsible manner

THE TECHNICAL AREA


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A fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and

officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue, unless a

reserve assistant referee is appointed. He assists the referee at all times

Prior to the start of the competition, the organiser states clearly whether,if the referee is unable to continue, the fourth official takes over as the

referee or whether the senior assistant referee takes over as referee with

the fourth official becoming an assistant referee

The fourth official assists with any administrative duties before, during and

after the match, as required by the referee

He is responsible for assisting with substitution procedures during the

match

He has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes before they

enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply with the Laws of

the Game, he informs the referee

He supervises the replacement balls, where required. If the match ball has

to be replaced during a match, he provides another ball, on the instruction

of the referee, thus keeping the delay to a minimum

He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned

because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been

seen to be given a second caution or when violent conduct occurs out of

the view of the referee and assistant referees. The referee, however, retains

the authority to decide on all points connected with play

After the match, the fourth official must submit a report to the appropriate

authorities on any misconduct or other incident that occurred out of the

view of the referee and the assistant referees. The fourth official must

advise the referee and his assistants of any report being made

He has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by anyoccupant of the technical area

A reserve assistant referee may also be appointed under competition rules.

His only duty shall be to replace an assistant referee who is unable to

continue or to replace the fourth official, as required

THE FOURTH OFFICIAL AND THE RESERVE ASSISTANT REFEREE


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Interpretationof the laws of

the game and

guidelines for referees


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Field markings

It is not permissible to mark the field of play with broken lines or furrows.

If a player makes unauthorised marks on the field of play with his foot, he

must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. If the referee notices this being

done during the match, he must caution the offending player for unsporting

behaviour when the ball next goes out of play.

Only the lines indicated in Law 1 are to be marked on the field of play.

Goals

If the crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play is stopped until it has been

repaired or replaced in position. If it is not possible to repair the crossbar,

the match must be abandoned. The use of a rope to replace the crossbar is

not permitted. If the crossbar can be repaired, the match is restarted with a

dropped ball at the place where the ball was located when play was stopped,

unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops

the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to

where the ball was located when play was stopped.

Commercial advertising

Commercial advertising shall be at least 1 m (1 yd) from the boundary lines of

the field of play.

No form of commercial advertising, whether real or virtual, is permitted on the

field of play, on the ground within the area enclosed by the goal nets or the

technical area, or within 1 m (1 yd) of the touch line from the time the teams

enter the field of play until they have left it at half-time and from the time the

teams re-enter the field of play until the end of the match. Similarly, advertising

is not permitted on the goals, nets, flagposts or their flags and no extraneous

equipment (cameras, microphones etc.) may be attached to these items.

LAW 1 THE FIELD OF PLAY


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Logos and emblems

The reproduction, whether real or virtual, of representative logos or emblems

of FIFA, confederations, member associations, leagues, clubs or other bodiesis forbidden on the field of play, the goal nets and the areas they enclose, the

goals, the flagposts and their flags during playing time.


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Additional balls

Additional balls may be placed around the field of play for use during a match

provided that they meet the requirements of Law 2 and their use is under thecontrol of the referee.

Extra balls on the field of play

If an extra ball enters the field of play during the match, the referee must stop

the match only if it interferes with play. Play must be restarted by a dropped

ball in the position where the match ball was at the time when the match

was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the

referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point

nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped.

If an extra ball enters the field of play during the match without interfering

with play, the referee must have it removed at the earliest possible opportunity.

LAW 2 THE BALL


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Substitution procedure

A substitution may be made only during a stoppage in play

The assistant referee signals that a substitution has been requested The player being substituted receives the referees permission to leave the

field of play, unless he is already off the field of play for reasons that comply

with the Laws of the Game

The referee gives the substitute permission to enter the field of play

Before entering the field of play, the substitute waits for the player he is

replacing to leave the field

The player being substituted is not obliged to leave the field of play on the

halfway line

Permission to proceed with a substitution may be refused under certain

circumstances, e.g. if the substitute is not ready to enter the field of play

A substitute who has not completed the substitution procedure by setting

foot onto the field of play cannot restart play by taking a throw-in or corner

kick

If a player who is about to be replaced refuses to leave the field of play,

play continues

If a substitution is made during the half-time interval or before extra time,

the procedure is to be completed before the second half or extra time kicks

off

LAW 3 THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS


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Extra persons on the field of play

Outside agents

Anyone not indicated on the team list as a player, substitute or team official isdeemed to be an outside agent, as is a player who has been sent off.

If an outside agent enters the field of play:

the referee must stop play (although not immediately if the outside agent

does not interfere with play)

the referee must have him removed from the field of play and its immediate

surroundings

if the referee stops the match, he must restart play with a dropped ball in

the position where the ball was at the time when the match was stopped,

unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee

drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point

nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped

Team officials

If a team official enters the field of play:

the referee must stop play (although not immediately if the team official

does not interfere with play or if the advantage can be applied)

the referee must have him removed from the field of play and if his

behaviour is irresponsible, the referee must expel him from the field of play

and its immediate surroundings

if the referee stops the match, he must restart play with a dropped ball in

the position where the ball was at the time when the match was stopped,

unless play was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the refereedrops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point

nearest to where the ball was located when play was stopped



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Player outside the field of play

If, after leaving the field of play to correct unauthorised equipment or kit, to

be treated for an injury or bleeding, because he has blood on his kit or for any

other reason with the referees permission, a player re-enters the field of playwithout the referees permission, the referee must:

stop play (although not immediately if the player does not interfere with

play or if the advantage can be applied)

caution the player for entering the field of play without permission

order the player to leave the field of play if necessary (e.g. infringement of

Law 4)

If the referee stops play, it must be restarted:

with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the position of the

ball when play was stopped (see Law 13 Position of Free Kick) if there is

no other infringement

in accordance with Law 12 if the player infringes this Law

If a player accidentally crosses one of the boundary lines of the field of play, he

is not deemed to have committed an infringement. Going off the field of play

may be considered to be part of a playing movement.

Substitute or substituted player

If a substitute or a substituted player enters the field of play without

permission:

the referee must stop play (although not immediately if the player in

question does not interfere with play or if the advantage can be applied)

the referee must caution him for unsporting behaviour the player must leave the field of play

If the referee stops play, it must be restarted with an indirect free kick for the

opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see

Law 13 Position of Free Kick).


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Goal scored with an extra person on the field of play

If, after a goal is scored, the referee realises, before play restarts, that there was

an extra person on the field of play when the goal was scored: the referee must disallow the goal if:

the extra person was an outside agent and he interfered with play

the extra person was a player, substitute, substituted player or team

official associated with the team that scored the goal

the referee must allow the goal if:

the extra person was an outside agent who did not interfere with play

the extra person was a player, substitute, substituted player or team

official associated with the team that conceded the goal

Minimum number of players

If the rules of a competition state that all of the players and substitutes must be

named before kick-off and a team begins a match with fewer than 11 players,

only the players named in the starting line-up may complete the 11 upon their

arrival.

Although a match may not START if either team consists of fewer than seven

players, the minimum number of players in a team required for a match to

CONTINUE is left to the discretion of member associations. However, it is the

opinion of the International F.A. Board that a match should not continue if

there are fewer than seven players in either team.

If a team has fewer than seven players because one or more players hasdeliberately left the field of play, the referee is not obliged to stop the match

and the advantage may be played. In such cases, the referee must not allow

the match to resume after the ball has gone out of play if a team does not

have the minimum number of seven players.



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Basic equipment

Colours:

If the jerseys of the two goalkeepers are the same colour and neither hasanother jersey to change into, the referee shall allow play to begin

If a player loses his footwear accidentally and immediately plays the ball and/or

scores a goal, there is no infringement and the goal is awarded because he lost

his footwear by accident.

Goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms as part of their basic equipment.

Other equipment

A player may use equipment other than the basic equipment provided that its

sole purpose is to protect him physically and it poses no danger to him or any

other player.

All items of clothing or equipment other than the basic equipment must be

inspected by the referee and determined not to be dangerous.

Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks and knee and

arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material are not considered

dangerous and are therefore permitted.

In view of the new technology that has made sports spectacles much safer,

both for the wearer and for other players, referees should show tolerancewhen authorising their use, particularly for younger players.

If an item of clothing or equipment that has been inspected at the start of a

match and determined not to be dangerous becomes dangerous or is used in a

dangerous manner during the match, its use must no longer be allowed.

The use of radio communication systems between players and/or technical staff

is not permitted.

LAW 4 THE PLAYERS EQUIPMENT


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Jewellery

All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands,

rubber bands etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape tocover jewellery is not acceptable.

Referees are also prohibited from wearing jewellery (except for a watch or

similar device for timing the match).

Disciplinary sanctions

The players are to be inspected before the match begins and substitutes before

they enter the field of play. If a player is discovered to be wearing unauthorised

clothing or jewellery during play, the referee must:

inform the player that the item in question must be removed

order the player to leave the field of play at the next stoppage if he is

unable or unwilling to comply

caution the player if he wilfully refuses to comply or, having been told to

remove the item, is discovered to be wearing the item again

If play is stopped to caution the player, an indirect free kick must be awarded

to the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see

Law 13 Position of Free Kick).

LAW 4 THE PLAYERS EQUIPMENT


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Powers and duties

The referee is authorised to stop play if, in his opinion, the floodlights are

inadequate.

If an object thrown by a spectator hits the referee or one of the assistant

referees or a player or team official, the referee may allow the match to

continue, suspend play or abandon the match depending on the severity of

the incident. He must, in all cases, report the incident(s) to the appropriate

authorities.

The referee has the power to show yellow or red cards during the half-time

interval and after the match has finished as well as during extra time and kicks

from the penalty mark, since the match remains under his jurisdiction at these

times.

If a referee is temporarily incapacitated for any reason, play may continue

under the supervision of the assistant referees until the ball next goes out of

play.

If a spectator blows a whistle and the referee considers the whistle interfered

with play (e.g. a player picks up the ball with his hands, assuming that play

has been stopped), the referee must stop the match and restart the play with a

dropped ball from the position of the ball when play was stopped, unless play

was stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on

the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the ball

was located when play was stopped.

LAW 5 THE REFEREE


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Advantage

The referee may play advantage whenever an infringement or offence occurs.

The referee should consider the following circumstances in deciding whether to

apply the advantage or stop play:

the severity of the offence: if the infringement warrants an expulsion, the

referee must stop play and send off the player unless there is a subsequent

opportunity to score a goal

the position where the offence was committed: the closer to the

opponents goal, the more effective it can be

the chances of an immediate, promising attack

the atmosphere of the match

The decision to penalise the original offence must be taken within a few

seconds.

If the offence warrants a caution, it must be issued at the next stoppage.

However, unless there is a clear advantage, it is recommended that the referee

stops play and cautions the player immediately. If the caution is NOT issued at

the next stoppage, it cannot be shown later.

LAW 5 THE REFEREE


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Injured players

The referee must adhere to the following procedure when dealing with injured

players: play is allowed to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in the

opinion of the referee, only slightly injured

play is stopped if, in the opinion of the referee, a player is seriously injured

after questioning the injured player, the referee may authorise one, or at

most two doctors, to enter the field of play to assess the injury and arrange

the players safe and swift removal from the field of play

the stretcher-bearers should enter the field of play with a stretcher at the

same time as the doctors to allow the player to be removed as quickly as

possible

the referee must ensure an injured player is safely removed from the field of

play

a player is not allowed to receive treatment on the field of play

any player bleeding from a wound must leave the field of play. He may not

return until the referee is satisfied that the bleeding has stopped. A player is

not permitted to wear clothing with blood on it

as soon as the referee has authorised the doctors to enter the field of play,

the player must leave the field of play, either on a stretcher or on foot. If a

player does not comply, he must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour

an injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has

restarted

when the ball is in play, an injured player must re-enter the field of play

from the touch line. When the ball is out of play, the injured player may re-

enter from any of the boundary lines irrespective of whether the ball is in play or not, only the referee is

authorised to allow an injured player to re-enter the field of play

the referee may give permission for an injured player to return to the field

of play if an assistant referee or the fourth official verifies that the player is

ready


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if play has not otherwise been stopped for another reason, or if an injury

suffered by a player is not the result of a breach of the Laws of the Game,

the referee must restart play with a dropped ball from the position of the

ball when play was stopped, unless play was stopped inside the goal area,in which case the referee drops the ball on the goal area line parallel to the

goal line at the point nearest to where the ball was located when play was

stopped

the referee must allow for the full amount of time lost through injury to be

played at the end of each period of play

once the referee has decided to issue a card to a player who is injured and

has to leave the field of play for treatment, the referee must issue the card

before the player leaves the field of play

Exceptions to this ruling are to be made only when:

a goalkeeper is injured

a goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and need immediate

attention

a severe injury has occurred, e.g. swallowed tongue, concussion, broken leg

More than one offence occurring at the same time

Offences committed by two players from the same team:

the referee must punish the most serious offence when players commit

more than one offence at the same time

play must be restarted according to the most serious offence committed

Offences committed by players from different teams:

the referee must stop play and restart it with a dropped ball fromthe position of the ball at the time of the stoppage, unless play was

stopped inside the goal area, in which case the referee drops the ball on

the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where

the ball was located when play was stopped

LAW 5 THE REFEREE


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Positioning with ball in play

Recommendations

The play should be between the referee and the lead assistant referee The lead assistant referee should be within the referees field of vision. The

referee should use a wide diagonal system

Staying towards the outside of the play makes it easier to keep play and the

lead assistant referee within the referees field of vision

The referee should be close enough to see play without interfering with

play

What needs to be seen is not always in the vicinity of the ball. The

referee should also pay attention to:

aggressive individual player confrontations off the ball

possible offences in the area towards which play is heading

offences occurring after the ball is played away

Positioning in ball out of play situations

The best position is one from which the referee can make the right decision.

All recommendations about positioning are based on probabilities and must be

adjusted using specific information about the teams, the players and events in

the match up to that point.

The positions suggested in the following graphics are basic and recommended

to referees. The reference to a zone is intended to emphasise that every

recommended position is actually an area within which the referee is most

likely to optimise his effectiveness. The zone may be larger, smaller ordifferently shaped depending on circumstances at the moment in question.

GUIDELINES FOR REFEREES


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1. Positioning for the kick-off

2. Positioning for a goal kick



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3. Positioning for a corner kick (1)

4. Positioning for a corner kick (2)


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5. Positioning for a free kick (1)




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9. Positioning for a penalty kick



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75REFEREE SIGNALS

Red card

Direct free kick Advantage

Indirect free kick

Yellow card


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Use of whistle

The whistle is needed to:

start play (1st, 2nd half), after a goal stop play:

for a free kick or penalty kick

if the match is suspended or abandoned

when a period of play has ended due to the expiration of time

restart play for:

free kicks when the appropriate distance is required

penalty kicks

restart play after it has been stopped due to:

the issue of a yellow or red card for misconduct

injury

substitution

The whistle is NOT needed to:

stop play for:

a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in

a goal

restart play from:

a free kick, goal kick, corner kick, throw-in

A whistle which is used too frequently unnecessarily will have less impact when

it is needed. When a discretionary whistle is needed to start play, the referee

should clearly announce to the players that the restart may not occur until after

that signal.

Body language

Body language is a tool that the referee uses to:

help him control the match

show authority and self-control

Body language is not: an explanation of a decision

REFEREE SIGNALS


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Duties and responsibilities

The assistant referees help the referee to control the match in accordance with

the Laws of the Game. They also assist the referee in all other matters involvingthe running of the match at the request and direction of the referee. This

commonly includes such matters as:

inspecting the field, the balls used and players equipment

determining if problems with equipment or bleeding have been resolved

monitoring the substitution procedure

maintaining back-up records of time, goals and misconduct

Positioning and team work

1. Kick-off

The assistant referees must be in line with the second-last opponent.

LAW 6 THE ASSISTANT REFEREES


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2. General positioning during the match

The assistant referees must be in line with the second-last opponent or the ball

if it is nearer the goal line than the second-last opponent. The assistant referees

must always face the field of play.



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3. Goal kick

1. The assistant referees must check first if the ball is inside the goal area:

if the ball is not placed correctly, the assistant referee must not move

from his position, make eye contact with the referee and raise his flag

2. Once the ball is placed correctly inside the goal area, the assistant referee

must move to the edge of the penalty area to check that the ball leaves the

penalty area (ball in play) and that the attackers are outside:

if the second-last opponent takes the goal kick, the assistant referee

must move directly to the edge of the penalty area

3. Finally, the assistant referee must take a position to check the offside line,

which is a priority in any case


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4. Goalkeeper releasing the ball

The assistant referees must take a position in line with the edge of the penalty

area and check that the goalkeeper does not touch the ball with his hands

outside the penalty area.

Once the goalkeeper has released the ball, the assistant referees must take a

position to check the offside line, which is a priority in any case.



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5. Penalty kick

The assistant refer

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